National Forests along northern Front Range enter fire restrictions
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (June 16, 2022) – Due to the forecast of continuing dry, warm conditions and other environmental factors, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests’ Clear Creek, Boulder and Canyon Lakes ranger districts have enacted Stage 1 fire restrictions effective at 12:01 a.m., June 16. Stage 1 fire restrictions limit where and what type of fires visitors can have and are in effect until July 15, 2022.
The following is PROHIBITED under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:
Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes) outside of a permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas).
Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
Operating a chainsaw without an effective and properly installed spark arrestor, a fire extinguisher kept with the operator, and a shovel.
Blasting, welding, or operating a torch with an open flame without being in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and having a fire extinguisher kept with the operator.
Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest System lands.
Violation of Stage 1 fire restrictions could result in a maximum fine of $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for more than six months, or both. If responsible for causing a wildfire, one could be held accountable for suppression costs of that fire.
The Forests and communities are still recovering from the wildfires of 2020 and if the predictions are correct we could face another challenging summer. Do your part to reduce human-caused wildfires and follow all fire restrictions.
Be sure to visit the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland’s Know Before You Go page to see fire restrictions order and map and other useful information to help plan your trip.
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